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First Borderlands 2 details revealed

The first details about Borderlands 2 are revealed in this month's issue of Game Informer.

As promised, following last-week's announcement that Borderlands 2 is in the works, some new information about post-apocalyptic shooter sequel has been revealed. Rather than returning to planet Pandora for another projectile-filled adventure with Mordecai, Lilith, Brick, and Roland, the article reveals that there will be four new characters to choose from. Salvador, the dwarven Gunzerker who can dual-wield any two weapons is a prime example. The motley crew from the first game will, however, make non-playable appearances.

Enthusiast site Gamenyusu has cobbled together a large list of bullet-points summarizing the new tidbits revealed in the article by Game Informer, noting that the artificial intelligence for both enemies and non-playable-characters will be improved in the sequel. NPC's won't simply be rooted to the same location all the time, and will engage the player in interactive conversations. Borderlands 2 also promises more varied enemy-types which will interact with each other more intelligently in combat.

The series metallic mascot, Claptrap, seems to be returning as well, along with the 3-tiered skill tree for player progression. As one would expect, vehicles also return to the wasteland, but co-oppers will be pleased to note that at least one of the new rides is a four-seater. No word whether or not the four-seater is the same vehicle that debuted in the premium Borderlands DLC "The Secret Armory of General Knoxx."

Borderlands 2 will also introduce a multi-purpose element called Eridium, which factors in as both currency and as a stat-enhancer for weapons and vehicles. Speaking of weapons, there won't be any carry-over from the first game. A variety of in-game weapon manufacturers will provide their own weapon enhancements, decals, styling, and colors. Pickups that provide temporary buffs will also add to the gun stew.

Borderlands 2 is planned for a 2013 release, and we'll be sure to keep an eye out for more details as they become available.